Following the deaths of seven illegal miners in Daggafontein, the DA in Gauteng is calling for an immediate investigation into allegations of police brutality during a recent operation.
Gauteng SAPS confirmed that no arrests had been made yet following the deaths of zama zamas in Ekurhuleni a month ago.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng said it demands an immediate investigation into the allegations of police brutality that resulted in the deaths of seven illegal miners at an abandoned gold mine in Daggafontein, Springs.
According to media reports, the incident occurred during Operation Vala Umgodi, when unidentified chemicals were allegedly hurled at the miners, resulting in severe burns and their subsequent deaths.
DA Gauteng spokesperson for Community Safety Michael Sun said the raid on an informal mine was conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMDP).
Sun said this tragic incident reflects the ongoing concerns raised by the DA regarding police conduct and incompetence in areas plagued by illegal mining.
“Allegations of police corruption, harassment, and brutality are unfortunately prevalent in Daggafontein. The DA has long called for the establishment of a specialised and professional police unit dedicated to tackling illegal mining across the province. This shocking event underlines the urgent need for such a unit within the police to ensure a lawful and professional approach to addressing this crisis,” said Sun
He further said: “The DA demands that Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who holds responsibility for the Community Safety Portfolio in Gauteng, conduct a thorough investigation into every aspect of this incident. If law enforcement agencies are found to have misused their authority, consequences should be imposed on the responsible parties to ensure justice is upheld”.
Sun said the party will also table questions to Lesufi to ascertain what transpired and if this incident was preventable.
He said while it is imperative to put an end to illegal mining, it is equally important to ensure that law enforcement operations are conducted within the confines of the law.
“As in the DA-run Western Cape, a DA Gauteng government will quickly roll out body cameras to enhance transparency and deter police brutality. The DA is committed to ensuring that citizens in Gauteng receive the transparent and professional police service they rightfully deserve,” Son said.
The Premier’s office has not responded at the time of print.
Gauteng Provincial SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said police are aware of an incident where fire erupted during the Operation Vala Umgodi, where police and other law enforcement agencies were dismantling illegal mining activities in Daggafontein, Springs.
“It is reported that three suspected illegal miners succumbed to the burn injuries while others sustained injuries. At present, it cannot be confirmed how the fire started. An inquest docket was opened for investigation soon after the incident, and the matter was reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate. For now, let's allow the investigation to unfold without any disruption and let those who have information that can assist in the investigation come forward. Part of the investigation is to establish how the fire started,” said Masondo.
He added that an investigation is under way, no arrests have been made yet.
“Once the investigation is complete, the docket will be taken to the Senior Public Prosecutor for a decision,” Masondo said.
The Star